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THE NUMBER OF people killed in the Grenfell Tower fire has risen to 79.
The Met Police say that they are not sure how high the number of dead will climb to, but said that five people previously thought missing have been found safe.
Police had said on Saturday that 58 people were either dead or missing and presumed dead, but have revised upwards that number.
Photos and videos published by the Metropolitan Police show the gutted wreckage of apartments within the 24-storey tower block after Wednesday’s fire.
With blackened rubble strewn across the floor and exposed pipes, one room is unrecognisable as a home until a bath and sink come into view — the dividing wall destroyed completely by the fire.
The remnants of an exercise bike, an oven and washing machine point to the lives of residents now shattered by the blaze.
“The conditions due to the fire damage verge on indescribable,” said police commander Stuart Cundy, explaining that a full search of the building will take weeks.
“Sadly that work leads me to believe that the number of people missing, but as yet unaccounted for has risen from yesterday’s figure of 58,” he said, following further work to trace missing people.
“We must also prepare people for the terrible reality that some people may not be identified due to the intensity of the fire,” he added.
The images released by police were taken by a recovery team inside flats where everyone inside has been accounted for.
Cundy said the investigation and search operation continues and is a massive undertaking.
“Our investigation will be wide ranging and exhaustive – it will seek to find out if any crimes have been committed and if so make sure that we do all we can to bring any person responsible to justice.
“This will take us some time, but I give my commitment that if as part of that investigation we identify anything that gives cause for concern for the safety of the public we will inform the relevant authorities.”
Speaking today Cundy said that it is hard to describe the level of devastation caused by the fire.
He added that police had been from the top to the bottom of the building. He added that if there had been any illegality, he would “do everything within his gift” to bring them to justice.
You’ll be missed, Iain. :(
Thanks for the stories, you’ll be missed
RIP, Iain. You were bloody fantastic.
Started to re-read his books again since the news of illness. Sad to hear he died. Enjoying Whit all over again.
RIP
RIP
The Algebraist is one of my favourite sci-fi novels of all time.
I hope they make a culture movie!
Me two. Consider phleabus please.
RIP, thanks for the books. You will be remembered.
A brave, talented writer
RIP to a gifted writer.
Fantastic writer. I still have The Crow Road to read. So many great books by him.
RIP
Crow Road is a gem. I wish I could read it for the first time again.
Never read his books as not a si if fan, but as a fellow cancer sufferer, may he rest in peace.
Joan – “Viva forever / I’ll be waiting / Everlasting / Like the sun”
Joan he has as extensive a fiction catalog as he does science fiction. Well worth a read.
I’m finishing his most recent sci-fi right now, having just finished his most recent fiction.
My christmas books will meet be the same
Ronan obviously I’ve missed something, need to investigate, I’m an avid reader!
Joan.. He went under the name Iain M Banks when writing his sci fi novels… That should help.. Make sure to read the wasp factory and crow road… Bloody sublime.
Thanks Dave!
RIP – a great author. I love The Crow Road.
Why does God give people cancer?
Patrick, why indeed. 59 is no age but he achieved more than most and will be sadly missed.
Ah – I see a couple of right-wing religious nuts are out in force. They have no answers of course.
How sad … Read the wasp factory meny moons ago and it was a masterpiece … My English teacher borrowed it and said it was the best fiction he ever read . I think that says it all .. Great writer !
Tom sharpe and Iain banks in one week. Too sad. Dead air is my favourite banks book.
‘The Bridge’, ‘The Player of Games’ and ‘Use of Weapons’.
What a brilliant talent.
So sad, I loved the Wasp Factory. RIP
Never read any of his sci-fi but my personal favourite Complicity was a great and underrated book of his. A very talented storyteller. He leaves a valuable legacy to future generations who appreciate good writing.
Very sorry to hear this,huge fan, rest in peace Iain……
It’s a toss up who was the greatest SF writer, Banks or Philip K Dick. All very sudden. Apparently he didn’t suffer towards the end. 59 is very young nowadays. I’m reading The Hydrogen Sonata. Maybe I’ll read it slowly.
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